The seats of Hunter and Charlton have been combined to create a new seat of Hunter.

Its borders are drastically ­different under the new formula, with some areas, including Maitland and Kurri Kurri, transferred into neighbouring seats.

The seat now extends from Sandy Hollow in the west to Edgeworth in the east and Wyee in the south.

The Australian Electoral Commission, which confirmed the changes on Thursday, said 46.87 per cent of the seat of Hunter and 53.13 per cent of Charlton would be part of the new-look seat.

The committee decided to retain the name of Hunter because of the area’s rural ties.

Joel Fitzgibbon, who holds the seat of Hunter, was on his way to England when the news broke.

He is yet to reveal his thoughts on the matter.

The seat of Paterson has gained Maitland, Kurri Kurri, and areas around Aberdare and Kearsley.

Its borders now extend to parts of Cessnock and Lovedale.

But it has lost the northern ­section, which includes Dungog, to the seat of Lyne.

Paterson MP Bob Baldwin did not say whether he would contest the next election when Fairfax Media contacted him on Thursday.

He was travelling to Sydney when the announcement was made and said he would look at the changes on Friday.

 “I’m waiting until I’ve had a look at what they are going to do,” Mr Baldwin said.

“I’ll look at it, consider it and I’ll make my announcement about what I’m going to do.”

Senior Liberal Party sources told Fairfax Media they were also waiting for Mr Baldwin to show his cards.

The party is expected to open pre-selections across NSW after Australia Day.